Winterizing your travel trailer with antifreeze is a crucial process for protecting your plumbing system from freezing temperatures, preventing costly damage like burst pipes and cracked fixtures. By properly draining the water system and filling it with RV antifreeze, you ensure that the remaining liquid won’t freeze and expand, thereby safeguarding your investment and allowing you to enjoy worry-free adventures come spring.
Why Winterizing is Essential
Leaving water in your RV’s plumbing system over winter is a recipe for disaster. Water expands when it freezes, putting immense pressure on pipes, fittings, water heater tanks, and pumps. This can lead to cracks, breaks, and leaks that require expensive repairs. Winterizing with RV antifreeze is the most reliable method to prevent this damage and keep your trailer in top condition.
Step-by-Step Winterizing Process
Here’s a detailed guide on how to winterize your travel trailer using antifreeze:
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, gather the necessary supplies:
- RV Antifreeze: Use only non-toxic RV antifreeze, specifically formulated for plumbing systems. Never use automotive antifreeze, which is highly toxic. Estimate about two to three gallons for a smaller trailer, and four to six gallons for a larger one.
- Water Heater Bypass Kit (if installed): Ensure it’s in the bypass position.
- Water Pump Conversion Kit or Siphon Hose: This allows you to draw antifreeze into the water pump.
- Wrench: For removing drain plugs.
- Screwdriver: For removing and reinstalling access panels.
- Air Compressor (optional): To blow out the water lines.
- Basin or Bucket: To catch drained water.
- Gloves: To protect your hands.
- Funnel: To aid in pouring antifreeze.
- Plumber’s Tape: For resealing drain plugs.
2. Drain the Water System
- Drain the Fresh Water Tank: Locate the drain valve on your fresh water tank and open it to allow the tank to completely empty.
- Drain the Water Heater: Turn off the water heater and allow it to cool completely. Then, remove the drain plug and open the pressure relief valve to allow air to enter and facilitate drainage. Be sure to replace the drain plug, using new plumber’s tape. Always bypass the water heater after draining to avoid filling it with antifreeze.
- Drain the Gray and Black Water Tanks: Empty and flush both holding tanks thoroughly. Add a holding tank treatment to prevent odors.
- Open All Faucets and Low Point Drains: Open all faucets (both hot and cold) and low point drain valves to allow all water to drain from the lines. The low point drains are usually located under the trailer, near the plumbing lines. Leave faucets open during the entire winterizing process.
3. Bypass the Water Heater
If your travel trailer has a water heater bypass kit, ensure it is in the bypass position. This prevents the antifreeze from filling the water heater tank, saving you a significant amount of antifreeze. If you don’t have a bypass kit, you’ll need to manually install one or fill the water heater tank with antifreeze.
4. Introduce Antifreeze to the Plumbing System
- Use a Water Pump Conversion Kit or Siphon Hose: Disconnect the inlet water line from the water pump. Attach the conversion kit or siphon hose to the inlet side of the pump and place the other end into a jug of RV antifreeze.
- Turn on the Water Pump: Turn on the water pump. It will begin to draw the antifreeze into the plumbing system.
- Open Faucets One by One: Starting with the faucet furthest from the pump, open the cold water side until pink antifreeze flows steadily. Then, repeat with the hot water side. Continue this process for all faucets, including the shower and outdoor shower.
- Flush the Toilet: Flush the toilet until pink antifreeze appears in the bowl.
- Pour Antifreeze into P-Traps: Pour a cup of antifreeze into each sink and shower drain to protect the P-traps from freezing.
5. Winterize Other Appliances
- Ice Maker and Washing Machine (if equipped): Consult the owner’s manual for specific winterizing instructions for these appliances. Usually, this involves disconnecting the water lines and running antifreeze through them.
6. Final Steps
- Turn Off the Water Pump: Once the entire system is filled with antifreeze, turn off the water pump.
- Pour Antifreeze into Holding Tanks: Pour a small amount of antifreeze into the gray and black water tanks to protect the drain valves.
- Close and Secure Everything: Close all faucets, low point drains, and the fresh water tank drain.
- Remove Batteries: Consider removing the batteries and storing them in a cool, dry place, keeping them charged throughout the winter.
- Cover Openings: Cover any exterior openings to prevent pests from entering.
FAQs About Winterizing with Antifreeze
Here are some frequently asked questions about winterizing your travel trailer with antifreeze:
Q1: Can I use air to blow out the water lines instead of antifreeze?
While using an air compressor to blow out the water lines can remove a significant amount of water, it’s not a foolproof method. There’s always a risk of residual water remaining in low spots, which can still freeze and cause damage. Using antifreeze provides a much greater level of protection. If you choose to use air, still add a small amount of antifreeze to the P-traps and holding tanks.
Q2: How much RV antifreeze do I need?
The amount of antifreeze you need depends on the size of your travel trailer and the length of your plumbing lines. A good estimate is two to three gallons for a smaller trailer and four to six gallons for a larger one. It’s always better to have a little extra than to run out.
Q3: Can I reuse RV antifreeze?
No, you should not reuse RV antifreeze. Once it’s been circulated through the plumbing system, it can become contaminated and lose its effectiveness. It’s best to use fresh antifreeze each year.
Q4: What if I accidentally used automotive antifreeze?
Immediately flush the entire system thoroughly with water. Automotive antifreeze is highly toxic and should never be used in a potable water system. You may need to consult a professional RV technician to ensure complete decontamination.
Q5: Do I need to drain the toilet’s water tank?
Yes, you should drain the toilet’s water tank. However, it is typically part of the general plumbing system draining process. When you open the low point drains and flush the toilet, the water will be evacuated. Ensure you flush until antifreeze appears.
Q6: What do I do if I don’t have a water pump conversion kit?
You can purchase a siphon hose designed for this purpose. It attaches to the inlet side of the water pump and allows you to draw antifreeze directly from the jug.
Q7: How do I know if the antifreeze has reached all the fixtures?
You’ll know the antifreeze has reached a fixture when pink antifreeze flows steadily from the faucet or toilet. Be sure to run both the hot and cold water sides of each faucet.
Q8: Can I skip winterizing if I live in a mild climate?
Even in mild climates, there’s a risk of freezing temperatures. It’s better to be safe than sorry and winterize your travel trailer, especially if temperatures are predicted to drop below freezing for an extended period.
Q9: What if I have an inline water filter?
Remove the water filter before winterizing. You don’t want antifreeze to run through it. Replace the filter with a bypass fitting or leave the canister empty.
Q10: Should I leave the antifreeze in the lines all winter?
Yes, leave the antifreeze in the lines throughout the winter to protect the plumbing system.
Q11: How do I de-winterize my travel trailer in the spring?
To de-winterize, thoroughly flush the entire water system with fresh water until all traces of antifreeze are gone. Sanitize the fresh water tank and lines. Replace the water filter if you removed it for winterizing.
Q12: Can I hire someone to winterize my travel trailer?
Yes, many RV dealerships and service centers offer winterizing services. This can be a good option if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself or if you have a more complex system.
By following these steps and addressing these FAQs, you can confidently winterize your travel trailer with antifreeze, ensuring its longevity and preventing costly repairs. Enjoy your travels, knowing your investment is well-protected during the off-season!